VeggieU

Bob and Lee Jones describe themselves as being born and bred for a love for farming. Their passion helps to cultivate their mission: "to grow vegetables slowly and gently in full accord with nature." This is the very seedling of thought that helped them to create the Culinary Vegetable Institute. CVI is an innovative educational center surrounded by a working farm. In addition to the creation of the Chef's Garden (a garden dedicated to promote a synergistic union between chef and farmer), the Jones have also created VeggieU, a non-profit organization that is set up to combat childhood obesity.

On July 21 more than 100 chefs attended the 2007 Chef Summit held at the Culinary Vegetable Institute. On the first day of the summit I took a tour of the farm and planting facilities which includes a seed lab, composting unit, and packing facility. I participated in a panel discussion about the challenges, opportunities, and the current status of the food and nutrition in the hospitality industry. Day two took me to a fund raising festival that included over 70 different booths filled with various chefs and purveyors. The day was filled with several different inspiring chef demos and culinary tastings directly from the Chef's Garden.

Other speakers besides myself included Jeff Henderson and Paula Deen. Everyone is committed to take part in the fight against childhood obesity. Lee Jones and I auctioned off a White House style dinner for 24 people at VeggieU for about $25,000 to benefit the school. The spirited bidding involved lots of good natured kidding. We ended our day with a lobster and clambake for about 200 volunteers and chefs at the Lee's private home. For more information go to: http://www.chefs-garden.com/ChefSummit.htm.

My stay in Norwalk, Ohio was exceptional, as well. I was a guest at Judy and Gene Denney's spectacular Georgian Manor Inn, a AAA Four Diamond Inn. The ratings are certainly deserving because the hospitality and cuisine could not have been better. The 9000 square foot mansion is elegant and exquisitely decorated with beautiful antiques and art. It's a must stay if you're in North Central Ohio. Take a look, http://www.georgianmanorinn.com.